Colts Select Former Menchville Star

Cornerback Ready To Make An 'Impact'

April 17, 2000|By DAVID TEEL Daily Press

David Macklin hopes Bill Polian hasn't lost his draft magic.

Two years ago, Polian, president of the Indianapolis Colts, drafted Peyton Manning instead of Ryan Leaf. Last year, Polian selected Edgerrin James instead of Ricky Williams. This past season, while Leaf and Williams floundered with San Diego and New Orleans, respectively, Manning and James made the Pro Bowl and led the Colts to their first AFC East title since 1987.

Saturday, in an effort to revamp the team's defense, Polian drafted three defenders, including Macklin, a cornerback from Penn State and Menchville High School. Indianapolis chose Macklin in the third round with the 91st overall pick.

"My goal is not to just make the team, but to have an impact," Macklin said Sunday.

Polian expects no less.

"We felt we needed to upgrade the speed and cover ability at (cornerback)," he told the Indianapolis Star. "We anticipate he'll be on the field and contributing."

Read those remarks, Macklin was ecstatic.

"That's all I want," he said. "All I want is a chance."

Veterans Tyrone Poole and Jeff Burris started at corner for the Colts last season and are under contract for 2000. Both were first-round draft picks, Burris in 1994 by Buffalo and Poole in 1995 by Carolina, but neither has made a Pro Bowl.

Indianapolis intercepted fewer passes (10) last season than all but one NFL team, Cleveland. The Colts, 13-3 before losing to Tennessee at home in the divisional playoffs, did not acquire any corners through free agency and have no established backups.

"I don't think you can ever have enough corners, and you certainly can never have enough corners who can run and cover," Polian said. "David can run and cover."

Macklin was measured at 5-foot-81/2 at the NFL combine, but Polian is not concerned that taller receivers will dwarf Macklin.

"Absolutely not," he said. "He played in the Big Ten and he's covered everybody there is to cover."

Macklin plans to compete at the Colts' mini-camp April 27-30. He then returns to Penn State, from which he'll graduate May 13 with a degree in business and logistics.

David Teel can be reached at 247-4636 or by e-mail at dteel@dailypress.com